tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47367056715144882812024-03-13T04:08:56.315-04:00The Easily Influenced StitcherA cross stitch blog where a few skeins of floss & a hot cup of tea are never far out of reachShirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.comBlogger860125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-26860928030718259222021-12-31T10:33:00.000-05:002021-12-31T10:33:08.792-05:00Happy New Year One and All!<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkVtmdPn6KgArvS0llRPudCSqGuLBSAE8Y0dX3-LzrGLeYSvOESljkixtlew08Yvo3gDVVha8thAZkTHfsBbiLryQWDKfa2qqkQ2zpImpNeAIclVRhsXrcPaH9npzhZjTBzUZeLHZSEpZB0aW9yonmiv43SWkNRL3E7bKgmXOaU9F13-RAiZwNqxck=s1536" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="940" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkVtmdPn6KgArvS0llRPudCSqGuLBSAE8Y0dX3-LzrGLeYSvOESljkixtlew08Yvo3gDVVha8thAZkTHfsBbiLryQWDKfa2qqkQ2zpImpNeAIclVRhsXrcPaH9npzhZjTBzUZeLHZSEpZB0aW9yonmiv43SWkNRL3E7bKgmXOaU9F13-RAiZwNqxck=w392-h640" width="392" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-37238791620281126682021-12-24T17:07:00.000-05:002021-12-24T17:07:24.478-05:00Merry Christmas Everyone!<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOq6goNWLEp9Ceppsuu-I-qvriWIuXctSaZFGzqwqPCiFJHaMjv5A-bNsI70C64TbQ1nzOglTXgg7uUeZRUlrT8uOUNtnGDc5pyAgG1E1wQjNh-pRt_ncTxzLfg19gvwTHcqQyu3nim-vQRhmwUO3TDcoGBInjE6SS07a1xXvV3NaBjTSCBk3rxF2c=s500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOq6goNWLEp9Ceppsuu-I-qvriWIuXctSaZFGzqwqPCiFJHaMjv5A-bNsI70C64TbQ1nzOglTXgg7uUeZRUlrT8uOUNtnGDc5pyAgG1E1wQjNh-pRt_ncTxzLfg19gvwTHcqQyu3nim-vQRhmwUO3TDcoGBInjE6SS07a1xXvV3NaBjTSCBk3rxF2c=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-33693001302925414422018-12-18T12:02:00.000-05:002018-12-18T12:02:24.830-05:00A Few New OrnamentsFour ornament finishes since returning from our trip : )<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKTQO2dU3nDp1PPaQ2xBzQ76g9HuYVuEURWawL2EhibGAAKQnKfPdkXFA6olRjzw9f2DTSRMYALmIxZNLD7UVWTbs2N9dLs9Lw0oidFCWgDS852w9IG1hiW884tLGu8UGzgnDmFr0cK8/s1600/20181218_113938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKTQO2dU3nDp1PPaQ2xBzQ76g9HuYVuEURWawL2EhibGAAKQnKfPdkXFA6olRjzw9f2DTSRMYALmIxZNLD7UVWTbs2N9dLs9Lw0oidFCWgDS852w9IG1hiW884tLGu8UGzgnDmFr0cK8/s400/20181218_113938.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Designer: Little House Needleworks</div>
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Design: Cardinal Winter</div>
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Fabric: Suggested 30 ct Cocoa linen</div>
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Floss: Suggested DMC</div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Flora McSample 2012 Ornaments</div>
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Fabric: Suggested 28 ct Milk Chocolate linen</div>
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Floss: Suggested DMC</div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-52237598475623199752018-12-18T11:14:00.002-05:002018-12-18T11:18:20.802-05:00Visiting London and Germany - A Condensed Tale<br />
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This post is going to be rather picture heavy so please bear with me : ) </div>
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Our flight began in Cincinnati with stops in Philadelphia and Zurich before arriving in London. We then made our way via the train to St. Pancras station which was just a few steps away from our hotel. St. Pancras station had several very long, very tall escalators. About half way up one of these escalators John lost his footing and fell head over heels to the bottom. It was quite scary! I was trying to get to him but of course it was difficult to go down the escalator while it was still going up. Thankfully it occurred to someone to press the stop button. I honestly didn't expect John to be moving but I saw him lift his head. Someone helped him up. Amazingly he escaped with little more than a banged up knee and a wrist which was gashed but didn't bleed. Someone had gone to fetch an attendant who came over to see if everything was okay. He asked John if he wanted to fill out an accident report but he said no. I was a little upset about this as I believed he should have filled one out in case problems occurred later (as it turns out his knee is still causing him problems), but I think he was quite embarrassed and just wanted to get out of there. We made it to our hotel, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, which was lovely. Lots of amazing history there. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81A73NeauAja2nMHQfBVoz1ufUaTA3yozjpFLe63-97pbg_xOS5xBOg2EWGQy9FciAHPbndnTUCRMSOSbrX6lbXo27dLySkmPcmQ4_y4WNF5XwPJ416q9ziUY3RIYmBfQAsQSeMO90Dk/s1600/20181130_080224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81A73NeauAja2nMHQfBVoz1ufUaTA3yozjpFLe63-97pbg_xOS5xBOg2EWGQy9FciAHPbndnTUCRMSOSbrX6lbXo27dLySkmPcmQ4_y4WNF5XwPJ416q9ziUY3RIYmBfQAsQSeMO90Dk/s400/20181130_080224.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The next day we made our way via the tube to Oxford and Regent Streets. It was a very gray, very rainy day so it wasn't as much fun as it could have been. I spotted a John Lewis store. Someone on Instagram told me that John Lewis has cross stitch items. They did! I found these three little kits to bring home : )</div>
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The following day (gray and rainy again) we met our tour manager and caught the Eurostar to Cologne where it was also gray and rainy. We stayed at the Maritim Hotel which was very close to three of Cologne's five Christmas markets. It was a gorgeous hotel! I love that big bow made of lights!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpJCa4k4EP3I67aRe5NwlUgaBU4Exz7kf4mciEgcOC0l4FnBvCVkJ4XSPZs8zBEeBJHLzoa1kLRROJixWIBxak6Y2lpCGL-g4AdgqGJHyBcglApGAwxvdOTUfLIg0-LxKnKsKsiIeUME/s1600/20181203_134331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpJCa4k4EP3I67aRe5NwlUgaBU4Exz7kf4mciEgcOC0l4FnBvCVkJ4XSPZs8zBEeBJHLzoa1kLRROJixWIBxak6Y2lpCGL-g4AdgqGJHyBcglApGAwxvdOTUfLIg0-LxKnKsKsiIeUME/s400/20181203_134331.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is a photo of the lobby when you come through the entrance.</div>
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This photo was taken from the fifth floor looking at that beautiful lighted bow : )</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ-cIjl7yhaNRuR1A1eSHnAKp9P28D4gh2uAhCdJojPvs27EbJ3i2yPfIiRYL2v0Y9jmGj0eARrTr4K0G_C0hD7CVZga_HLEz91RWhvQLkatWBmRdzNgvUd1AClYhe5b9plKShF9WT6g/s1600/20181203_133930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ-cIjl7yhaNRuR1A1eSHnAKp9P28D4gh2uAhCdJojPvs27EbJ3i2yPfIiRYL2v0Y9jmGj0eARrTr4K0G_C0hD7CVZga_HLEz91RWhvQLkatWBmRdzNgvUd1AClYhe5b9plKShF9WT6g/s400/20181203_133930.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
And here is a photo from the opposite side of the hotel, looking toward the lobby. That Christmas tree was nearly 5 stories high!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCKzmYZb4gBacRaoVdfaCSu-v2IeM-EUckCpq4PH69Ic24XZ6lj7wQaeJXOgugC97d9Vv45xlCPhBPaxhgzRzCvzCgvJWK42D2PbPJJSCJf4v9TgGfOvu1qqEFuTRoRjQFuiPx_2Yu1I/s1600/20181205_003539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCKzmYZb4gBacRaoVdfaCSu-v2IeM-EUckCpq4PH69Ic24XZ6lj7wQaeJXOgugC97d9Vv45xlCPhBPaxhgzRzCvzCgvJWK42D2PbPJJSCJf4v9TgGfOvu1qqEFuTRoRjQFuiPx_2Yu1I/s400/20181205_003539.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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And look who was visiting the hotel! Santa! We became fast friends : )</div>
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That evening we explored the two Christmas markets nearest the hotel. These were not too far from Cologne's magnificient cathedral. In fact, one of them was right next to the cathedral. This is shown in the last of the four photos below. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs2jmy0rzeLe2YW2HnnMEJzaC30Lm5QpfgIsRTitaL6dGoDLTdbga770VsmKMB-luAmMFWejLBeHbatDgvG9JhNePR8cP3odMvX9-PxgWMr7DSzK2w4y4NSaMORPIXmlu3NWOohEcTSY/s1600/20181203_135603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs2jmy0rzeLe2YW2HnnMEJzaC30Lm5QpfgIsRTitaL6dGoDLTdbga770VsmKMB-luAmMFWejLBeHbatDgvG9JhNePR8cP3odMvX9-PxgWMr7DSzK2w4y4NSaMORPIXmlu3NWOohEcTSY/s400/20181203_135603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The next two days (more rain) we explored the town and more of the Christmas markets. We found the Angels Market which Edgar said was not to be missed and he was right. All the markets had so many booths offering fun things to buy and good things to eat and drink. I wanted to bring home at least one Gluhwein mug. Gluhwein is a spiced wine. Each market sells their own type of Gluhwein and their own special Gluhwein mug. I couldn't have cared less about the spiced wine … I wanted one of those mugs! I ended up with two mugs that I liked best. One from the Angels Market …</div>
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… and one from the Cologne Cathedral Market.</div>
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The only other item we bought at the markets was a pound of delicious nougat. We could have purchased many more things but getting them back home in one piece would have been a bit chancy. I did, however, get a special package of Christmas teas from a department store called Karstadt : )</div>
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Then it was back to London where we spent the night at a hotel near the airport and flew home the next day. I had so much fun at Heathrow! They actually had a satellite John Lewis store there and I bought these two delicious gingerbread cookies which are as big as my hands … and I have great big Herman Munster hands!</div>
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I also scored some British cross stitch magazines at a WHSmith shop : )</div>
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And just before we left I spied this café created for people just like me!</div>
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We then got on our plane and flew to Copenhagen, then to Chicago, and then home where thankfully is was NOT raining : ) We have been home for 2-1/2 weeks now and we are still exhausted, but all things considered it was a good trip filled with good memories : )Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-64290737456432699182018-12-13T07:43:00.000-05:002018-12-13T07:43:05.464-05:00Advent Calendar Blog Hop - Day 13Welcome to Jo's whatever-number-it-is annual Advent Calendar Blog Hop! Sorry Jo, I don't know how long you've been doing this, but it's been a while and we all love you for it : ) After a much-too-long absence I am once again joining in, and my day is today, Day 13.<br />
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Jo's blog is <a href="http://serendipitousstitching.blogspot.com/2018/12/2018-online-advent-calendar.html">Serendipitous Stitching</a>. I have linked to her 2018 Online Advent Calendar post and you will be able to connect to all the participants there.<br />
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Christmas is my favorite time of year. In fact, I stitch Christmas things all year round! I have a tree which I enjoy decorating with my own stitched ornaments and those that were gifted to me from my blogging friends, but alas, this year there is no tree, no decorations of any kind. This was my decision for multiple reasons. I will still cook good food on Christmas Eve … turkey and ham, stuffing, and potato salad. I might make a pan of brownies and a bowl of Angels Delight as well. I will make our traditional orange rolls on Christmas morning. John and I will then spend a quiet day together eating and watching Christmas movies. Next year we will have settled into a new home, life will be simpler, and I look forward to decorating then. In the meantime I have no Christmas stitching on display that I can share with you, so I dug into my archives of past stitched ornament photos and decided to share the one below. I stitched this little ornament a few years ago as a gift for someone. <br />
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Peace on Earth - Pine Mountain Designs</div>
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Christmas, to me, is celebrating the birth or our precious Lord and Savior. I recently learned that Christmas is celebrated this way by Christians in Germany. December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, is the day when St. Nicholas brings gifts. Christmas Day is the day you celebrate Jesus. I like that custom : )</div>
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This year Jo wants us to share our favorite Christmas song. It has been <i>really</i> hard for me to pick just one as I love so many of them, but I decided to share the following song with you … Mary Did You Know. The words are so beautiful and meaningful and they speak to the true meaning of Christmas. I must admit that I cry without fail every time I hear it. I hope you will enjoy it as well. I wish you all a very happy and blessed Christmas!</div>
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Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-72198673861065755752018-11-16T13:03:00.002-05:002018-11-16T13:03:57.977-05:00Hmm Hmm Hmm, Hmm Hmm Hmm, Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm Hmm!Subject line! Do you know what I am cheerfully humming? Yes, Jingle Bells! It's cold! It snowed a bit yesterday! All is right with the world : )<br />
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I've finished three more ornaments : ) These are from The Prairie Schooler Book 202, Evergreen. I would have stitched more of them if I had more of the 32 count sage Jobelan. Does anyone know where I can find some? I have been searching but have not had any luck. I used the suggested DMC threads except I made a slight change on the snowman. I used 900 for his nose and 976 for his broom. <br />
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I am now wanting to stitch more Prairie Schooler stuff : ) I have a lot to choose from, but I have almost two dozen ornaments already kitted up so I will be good and postpone them until sometime next year. I also have plans to stitch a couple more PS samplers. Then of course there's all the other stuff I want to stitch. I'm going to live for at least another 50 years, right?</div>
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John and I are going to be leaving the US in less than two weeks to visit the Christmas markets in Cologne and Wuppertal. We will first spend 2 days in London, then take a train to Cologne. When our time in Germany is done we will take the train back to London and then head home the following day. I'm kind of freaking out … lol! It seems there is so much to do before we leave and it's overwhelming me a bit. I'd like to take some stitching with me but alas, I can't even see 28 count fabric, not to mention charts, without my magnifying light : ( I will have to instead take something I can knit along with some kind of book to read. Now I have to choose a knitting project, get it started, and choose a book! AHHHHH!!!</div>
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I hope everyone is well!</div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-29315540494628767962018-11-09T12:14:00.000-05:002018-11-09T12:14:02.736-05:00A Couple More Finishes and Some PurchasesThe weather is cooler here in northern Kentucky and I am, of course, thrilled! Will it snow soon? Will it snow at all? I hope so!<br />
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I have finished stitching two more ornaments! I love this first one, and yes, I was singing the song in my head the entire time I was stitching it : )<br />
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Designer: Heartstring Samplery</div>
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Design: The Holly Bears the Crown</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Vintage Examplar</div>
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Floss: WDW as suggested by designer</div>
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I stitched this next design back in 2014 but gave the finished ornament away as a gift. I've always wanted one of my own so this is it : )</div>
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Designer: Nikyscreations</div>
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Design: Faith - from 2014 JCSCO issue</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Examplar</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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As for purchases, I was watching a podcast recently (Mel's Travel and Stitching) and she showed a chart or two from The Drawn Thread. She talked about how happy she had been purchasing from them directly. There was a design or two that I've been wanting to purchase for a while so I decided to place an order. I ended up purchasing six kits … lol! I am very pleased with their service. They shipped my order either that same day or the next and it arrived here in record time, and they wrapped my purchases in pretty tissue paper. For a brief moment I thought it might be nice if I waited and placed them underneath the Christmas tree, but since I will most likely not be decorating this year I decided to open them now : ) I purchased Snow Day, Welcome Winter, The Night Before Christmas, Good Tidings, Christmas Thoughts Sampler, and Christmas Cards. I have no idea when I'll be stitching them since I am so focused on ornaments now (I just kitted another 21 ornaments!) but I'm looking forward to stitching each one : )</div>
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It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just two weeks away! I'm toying with the idea of not making a Thanksgiving dinner this year. Yep, no Christmas decorating and maybe no Thanksgiving dinner. It's been that kind of year. </div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-9393192204757402352018-10-30T11:47:00.001-04:002018-10-30T11:47:11.064-04:00The Road to HellPaved with good intentions it is. I miss blogging, I really do, but ever since leaving the Devil's Playground my life has been, well, you really don't want to know. And then there's Blogger which continues to provide utter confusion in the best of times. I was always able to monitor my comments, choosing whether or not to publish them. Now they just show up despite the fact that my monitor thingy is checked. Argh!<br />
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I was aware that I haven't posted any photos of my finishes for a while, but I was surprised to see that I haven't posted any finishes or even talked about my projects since April! I will remedy that now. Grab yourself a cuppa, get comfy, and here we go : )<br />
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I will intro this first one by saying that I had more problems with it than you can imagine! I don't know how many times I frogged bits and started again. And stitching the autumn part of the design was a special kind of crazy because despite carefully counting not once, not twice, but three times to make sure I started in the right spot, I started it one stitch too far to the right of the summer part and didn't realize it until I was preparing to start the leaves and acorns at the bottom. I had to frog the whole of autumn and begin once more. The finish was well worth it but I don't <i>ever</i> want that to happen again : )<br />
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Designer: Lizzie Kate<br />
Design: 4 Seasons<br />
Fabric: 32 ct Amber linen<br />
Floss: WDW as suggested by designer<br />
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I changed up this next one just a wee bit. It called for Mill Hill buttons to be used for the pine tree at the top and the birdhouse at the bottom. I just designed my own tree and birdhouse to stitch. It also called for turkey stitches to be used for the ends of the scarves and chain stitches for the mitten strings. I used straight stitches for the ends of the scarves and a 2-strand back stitch for the mitten strings. And here's a fun fact … there are 74 individual Smyrna stitch snowflakes in this design : )</div>
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Designer: The Drawn Thread</div>
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Design: Generosity</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Lambswool linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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Nothing to add to this next one : )</div>
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Designer: Prairie Schooler</div>
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Design: Winter Sampler</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct sage jobelan</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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On to ornaments!</div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Flora McSample's 2014 Stockings -</div>
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Unto You Is Born; Silent Night; Reindeer Sampler</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Lambswool linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmbXaXM-ZDICeUcVj3wZJmhemoAfqn52y7iwy7XW8TxSA_y1ogpqfUY22U4B_kqklqksx0Rq8-bVsF5z_53JrW5R9fTdzTb6WD2-iFq_E-Q3a2bbdfxgLNvyi5i_z17zjGa5l70R1W_Q/s1600/20180713_102258%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmbXaXM-ZDICeUcVj3wZJmhemoAfqn52y7iwy7XW8TxSA_y1ogpqfUY22U4B_kqklqksx0Rq8-bVsF5z_53JrW5R9fTdzTb6WD2-iFq_E-Q3a2bbdfxgLNvyi5i_z17zjGa5l70R1W_Q/s400/20180713_102258%25280%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Flora McSample Treats - Hark</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Lambswool linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1EbT1PgDvrNzguwndU9KFqCqVhgyWoIK-Cul44B9mSl9a8guHWv1dMan2BbmZrmpXYuo2AlVnG0uz5-Yvp_bfde07XOnvZ8W2tZHUpAWLvTfvnMst7j9eo0EMvnvMX2rgiLYDynYsW8/s1600/20181026_131501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1EbT1PgDvrNzguwndU9KFqCqVhgyWoIK-Cul44B9mSl9a8guHWv1dMan2BbmZrmpXYuo2AlVnG0uz5-Yvp_bfde07XOnvZ8W2tZHUpAWLvTfvnMst7j9eo0EMvnvMX2rgiLYDynYsW8/s400/20181026_131501.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1kkUa01oWdKqJdgz1gGTvWB58l5H3yS7FLAlqF3of9HL4poGZ714hhgq5LJGtwEeclKM5ppw4oJsGAbC80vuj8TWn7dlM5VFiQnrgbJPKkhLj1qMulI9nTJ46OU9WzOZiW3I-Y8ZlNY/s1600/20181026_131514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1kkUa01oWdKqJdgz1gGTvWB58l5H3yS7FLAlqF3of9HL4poGZ714hhgq5LJGtwEeclKM5ppw4oJsGAbC80vuj8TWn7dlM5VFiQnrgbJPKkhLj1qMulI9nTJ46OU9WzOZiW3I-Y8ZlNY/s400/20181026_131514.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64VbhHay7VrU12uGAXoX3zyClhnbsM5-FP8v1JX02yUj_4TraLA9c_y2GFS2i10DDNgjV8hw46uw6Ja3ez92JWZm7KxVDeVj5sB85zhyh4xrnOihOB2GGk5rcGfY3bJV0Xq-w3zDYetY/s1600/20181026_131521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64VbhHay7VrU12uGAXoX3zyClhnbsM5-FP8v1JX02yUj_4TraLA9c_y2GFS2i10DDNgjV8hw46uw6Ja3ez92JWZm7KxVDeVj5sB85zhyh4xrnOihOB2GGk5rcGfY3bJV0Xq-w3zDYetY/s400/20181026_131521.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Flora McSample 2015 -</div>
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Love Came Down; Deck the Halls;</div>
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Joy to the World</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Lambswool linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjXwKLuEOq10kFjHIHSEx3UzvYylF1Fkjxv_OIreQ2yHR6Qxod6J-BzIjZ8Uf9uDxZ463NksWvvStTkFt3klxqdbpKpoFMuXSEP1lAsDWepEkdXDflbw8t2NbVW1wLLMasXZq9atjMEg/s1600/20181030_112643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjXwKLuEOq10kFjHIHSEx3UzvYylF1Fkjxv_OIreQ2yHR6Qxod6J-BzIjZ8Uf9uDxZ463NksWvvStTkFt3klxqdbpKpoFMuXSEP1lAsDWepEkdXDflbw8t2NbVW1wLLMasXZq9atjMEg/s400/20181030_112643.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcna2wHk3QL4l3f12ZndYel6tEovck5pZ2aUdgpWDl7vx-wX9m_I0Paqb6KhvZ3UOnpcsdfrEYWrfXlZBqmwrRME2fO4y-Hfn99rfCfai6Zkeu9KlTRMD5a-jTLT77hmaIuYU48WI7oA/s1600/20181030_112650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcna2wHk3QL4l3f12ZndYel6tEovck5pZ2aUdgpWDl7vx-wX9m_I0Paqb6KhvZ3UOnpcsdfrEYWrfXlZBqmwrRME2fO4y-Hfn99rfCfai6Zkeu9KlTRMD5a-jTLT77hmaIuYU48WI7oA/s400/20181030_112650.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz-BeeqgZ1sSmMlRInnSc_krjk948Vt5HSkDPINqF_IGFWPssqM6ybuZ_KiYE0Lh9Fke6bex35ZA2HNcK9TPQPRxSTYIauHqhliSFGJ1l5VPQbuz5ho7IW0PaL6HAhtP2BZJ6KyaAOLA/s1600/20181030_112700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz-BeeqgZ1sSmMlRInnSc_krjk948Vt5HSkDPINqF_IGFWPssqM6ybuZ_KiYE0Lh9Fke6bex35ZA2HNcK9TPQPRxSTYIauHqhliSFGJ1l5VPQbuz5ho7IW0PaL6HAhtP2BZJ6KyaAOLA/s400/20181030_112700.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Flora McSample 2013 -</div>
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ABChristmas; Noel; Twas the Night</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Lambswool linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ3JCKlxJ0OCz7LbUKEbB389urXLbtvknevpsVrRZ4kAmzd45ryWxuMIDdMQwN30krz00btdsiuAI0GVyloYwxpd-i_YJGDgCPtKUDKMExkRuKyNIGzoiS6DvciO1-mH1020ADGL9YO0/s1600/IMG_20180913_140534_040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ3JCKlxJ0OCz7LbUKEbB389urXLbtvknevpsVrRZ4kAmzd45ryWxuMIDdMQwN30krz00btdsiuAI0GVyloYwxpd-i_YJGDgCPtKUDKMExkRuKyNIGzoiS6DvciO1-mH1020ADGL9YO0/s400/IMG_20180913_140534_040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Designer: Little House Needleworks</div>
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Design: Pear Tree</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Vintage Light Examplar linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuey2i5fU5GE0qrRMR4AAF0LLYJlRmj2dfFDeCttR8wd_dOu_d0kPy-KFP44wypu4xLszD5aFs-oztj3ZLh1rd0CTBA6GXUzsSVmzuMkG-WbKPagv3KMcaITugW_8VWn0S0uivRtLXto/s1600/IMG_20180913_141404_888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuey2i5fU5GE0qrRMR4AAF0LLYJlRmj2dfFDeCttR8wd_dOu_d0kPy-KFP44wypu4xLszD5aFs-oztj3ZLh1rd0CTBA6GXUzsSVmzuMkG-WbKPagv3KMcaITugW_8VWn0S0uivRtLXto/s400/IMG_20180913_141404_888.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Designer: Little House Needleworks</div>
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Design: Six Little Cardinals</div>
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Fabric: 30 ct Cocoa linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwXnY6YTCD2RTNMlMFIXTCyNICK7vCgEjn4ZZKAzcxom7unuR41n7TEIeSwe7VzdfRZ2zOUrb2qLLQfPuIeUug90hPS4gdXsSjVJLqXXsrYoovWBWtjeFOvmDEuZaVWA7MdSJoVXDY5c/s1600/IMG_20180917_130645_450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwXnY6YTCD2RTNMlMFIXTCyNICK7vCgEjn4ZZKAzcxom7unuR41n7TEIeSwe7VzdfRZ2zOUrb2qLLQfPuIeUug90hPS4gdXsSjVJLqXXsrYoovWBWtjeFOvmDEuZaVWA7MdSJoVXDY5c/s400/IMG_20180917_130645_450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Designer: Little House Needleworks</div>
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Design: Hot Cocoa</div>
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Fabric: 28 ct mystery linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT2MvOV6h9WhllGV9255xmjfR9Zr9xFKebmfuWIFhOKaJqTqzhf6pMRjsgA1iJlRwkOh1TKfrnTLT0h60ox63ns-7GENHX3sBrow8o7LKZ-0PJeigotSpN1uDIXo8ZVcP2tkD9IMFJcU/s1600/20180922_173851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1253" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT2MvOV6h9WhllGV9255xmjfR9Zr9xFKebmfuWIFhOKaJqTqzhf6pMRjsgA1iJlRwkOh1TKfrnTLT0h60ox63ns-7GENHX3sBrow8o7LKZ-0PJeigotSpN1uDIXo8ZVcP2tkD9IMFJcU/s400/20180922_173851.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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Designer: Country Cottage Needleworks</div>
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Design: Let Us Adore Him</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Amber linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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except for church which is the</div>
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suggested WDW White Lightning</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VKvftpG6TcGRarZAGwFGpdRcGEW2QwjAu154ua_g6AJh0mi5YxgNyLOMjCV28T_UA74r_8CNK43vGr_uvunKoTrjXTvlmOlKgnaG7WSZTe3Ax8iFA9_SOyX6uEUih4Pw53AEGEdV-PM/s1600/20181004_165050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1483" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VKvftpG6TcGRarZAGwFGpdRcGEW2QwjAu154ua_g6AJh0mi5YxgNyLOMjCV28T_UA74r_8CNK43vGr_uvunKoTrjXTvlmOlKgnaG7WSZTe3Ax8iFA9_SOyX6uEUih4Pw53AEGEdV-PM/s400/20181004_165050.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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Designer: Little House Needleworks</div>
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Design: All Is Calm</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Amber linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGLX8bv08VYpttqvDnYzm76W7ASdKJx_WaPOOz2G1i1LQGcAqPPAnrvsGcllOCuebM4jE3uCmmHzY-lCFpN3PJjSD8OC0JtU6yCk6QPDPDhKdHi4OtRUqL0UEX_x1XNhqEAwQ3vVY6-8/s1600/IMG_20181011_112455_055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGLX8bv08VYpttqvDnYzm76W7ASdKJx_WaPOOz2G1i1LQGcAqPPAnrvsGcllOCuebM4jE3uCmmHzY-lCFpN3PJjSD8OC0JtU6yCk6QPDPDhKdHi4OtRUqL0UEX_x1XNhqEAwQ3vVY6-8/s400/IMG_20181011_112455_055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Designer: Little House Needleworks</div>
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Design: Frosty Flakes</div>
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Fabric: 30 ct Straw linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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(still need to add beads)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e4cUez1vHGk-4cwfGzOtSlgnC4rqLmzg2y0Zw9_mB6o6_P09Hu-JENFa9NDk3l6rpkJygXnQdakSsL8MYHKgjcxZh0k6fNJd2NOD1J05RN6hmhoN-Xwr0b1AIdwJm6mvbk-PM3A8OS0/s1600/IMG_20181011_113228_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4e4cUez1vHGk-4cwfGzOtSlgnC4rqLmzg2y0Zw9_mB6o6_P09Hu-JENFa9NDk3l6rpkJygXnQdakSsL8MYHKgjcxZh0k6fNJd2NOD1J05RN6hmhoN-Xwr0b1AIdwJm6mvbk-PM3A8OS0/s400/IMG_20181011_113228_512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Designer: The Trilogy</div>
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Design: Cheer</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct mystery linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXlMxz5N5c5caqkhElCDAZHHhuufJnFdKouLE6Tk9ZKwvbEyToMJo6b5rxUh5ftf8viEOFtFVBnte3N2aWFwhCit_LYgj0P-R_BwcpgGKF68PDavFsv9GcV5CTVHCZGquQNCOomcJa2s/s1600/IMG_20181011_113612_496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXlMxz5N5c5caqkhElCDAZHHhuufJnFdKouLE6Tk9ZKwvbEyToMJo6b5rxUh5ftf8viEOFtFVBnte3N2aWFwhCit_LYgj0P-R_BwcpgGKF68PDavFsv9GcV5CTVHCZGquQNCOomcJa2s/s400/IMG_20181011_113612_496.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: My Favorite Time</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Summer Khaki linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ_3oKHrU7StZjqEszx0uSJ42gGF00VPUKHyURe6cpN_oS0Jq5D2SMCj_yO_SgTbNDU9WQ3-9ChZ-7lytvOKr3yILPbmIl-11u1fuxSfsy_q26CbZlnYH3_KnHmLj3-GXIk80wD1K1mk/s1600/20181018_110842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ_3oKHrU7StZjqEszx0uSJ42gGF00VPUKHyURe6cpN_oS0Jq5D2SMCj_yO_SgTbNDU9WQ3-9ChZ-7lytvOKr3yILPbmIl-11u1fuxSfsy_q26CbZlnYH3_KnHmLj3-GXIk80wD1K1mk/s400/20181018_110842.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Tiny Tidings XIX -</div>
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Jingle Jingle and Snow Bird</div>
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Fabric: 28 ct Amber linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtO7QbTcjMLhuhU9XDcDZOdzOu6GhsWsaQQcXpENZHiksXZtJ0yDYoW_fZZkfMwZEwpforkHVap8AF-Fh6bSTikmPeU1fmXi8zixogUf6th-7CpCOc6Hkw-xYKHTc2-Lcz85n2y0NeLog/s1600/IMG_20181018_111821_024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtO7QbTcjMLhuhU9XDcDZOdzOu6GhsWsaQQcXpENZHiksXZtJ0yDYoW_fZZkfMwZEwpforkHVap8AF-Fh6bSTikmPeU1fmXi8zixogUf6th-7CpCOc6Hkw-xYKHTc2-Lcz85n2y0NeLog/s400/IMG_20181018_111821_024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Deign: Flora McSample 2011 Ornaments -</div>
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Peace and Joy</div>
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Fabric: 28 ct Milk Chocolate linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5Z5OklfX2jaiLAX_ayvvYf8TYENsMEyYwBpghHO5GE-ptWzvOfGglKEenfmHvCkBpckRPaDZSBXnorMfKPt4E09dVpp90b80ISj68wzhBUoGmWG6JJLgJHsjXKhH4Y1OdxvUNZXy6lI/s1600/20181026_114214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5Z5OklfX2jaiLAX_ayvvYf8TYENsMEyYwBpghHO5GE-ptWzvOfGglKEenfmHvCkBpckRPaDZSBXnorMfKPt4E09dVpp90b80ISj68wzhBUoGmWG6JJLgJHsjXKhH4Y1OdxvUNZXy6lI/s400/20181026_114214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Tiny Tidings XXII -</div>
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Merry Christmas and Snow House</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct Light Mocha linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgxbYFefvPT6YH6ICW3LvSdc24fXETgHvOF23Qxkmsjqfk4qDX3aFlHketO3IdorcPWcXXfQOM3dGEeqEXYskIbp1ruW4HEEc_EQeSMPDnG1GPK3nCqUeH_lCySmbA4e5Z7HgxZG1cLk/s1600/20181028_120754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgxbYFefvPT6YH6ICW3LvSdc24fXETgHvOF23Qxkmsjqfk4qDX3aFlHketO3IdorcPWcXXfQOM3dGEeqEXYskIbp1ruW4HEEc_EQeSMPDnG1GPK3nCqUeH_lCySmbA4e5Z7HgxZG1cLk/s400/20181028_120754.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Tiny Tidings XI -</div>
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Merry Chris-Mouse</div>
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Fabric: 32 ct natural linen</div>
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Floss: DMC as suggested by designer</div>
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There are a couple missing I think, but otherwise this is it. I will need to look into finishing possibilities for the ornaments. Since Myra, the queen of finishing, had to give it up, and after having so many ornaments ruined by someone else, I'm thinking I might give finishing a try myself. Not this year though. Since I literally can't take more than two steps without tripping over a bunch of boxes or other clutter strewn around here, and I am still operating with hardly any furniture, it's a bit difficult to set up a sewing machine, cut fabric, etc. Hopefully things will turn around for us in the new year. </div>
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Thanks for visiting with me!</div>
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Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-89788481261991897732018-08-29T07:38:00.001-04:002018-08-29T07:38:14.318-04:00Blogger Confusion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlwCssp4yK2KuzA4ADa2_8cackrEuc0U55g0RFHbsi8EKlTQyfhLIDNUQQdsHpkzMv5zQnahb3xPQmQm_5Z6tRlXq46M_iUZOE0x36IEFKhYn5u2GuIqRuiz1tpak33hj6ZvVStocdLo/s1600/confused-woman-420x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="420" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlwCssp4yK2KuzA4ADa2_8cackrEuc0U55g0RFHbsi8EKlTQyfhLIDNUQQdsHpkzMv5zQnahb3xPQmQm_5Z6tRlXq46M_iUZOE0x36IEFKhYn5u2GuIqRuiz1tpak33hj6ZvVStocdLo/s320/confused-woman-420x0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It won't surprise anyone that I am perpetually confused about many a thing, and now Blogger is adding to that confusion. First of all, when I log into Blogger I get this huge yellow square telling me something about the European Union. What's that about? At the bottom of the same square there is a separate section telling me that Blogger no longer accepts OpenID. What in the world is that? And this morning I get an email, supposedly from Blogger, saying that they want me to confirm that I still want email notifications for comments on my blog and if I do I should click the link provided. Is this on the up-and-up? I do know that the comments on my previous post have not been sent to my email account so I can try to answer them. Is there something I'm supposed to do so I don't have that big yellow square assaulting me every time I log in? Is it okay to click the link in that email?</div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-74745832426850657752018-08-25T10:31:00.001-04:002018-08-25T10:31:38.409-04:00Just A Quickie Questions Re LinenI'm still here! I did get a new laptop and have been trying to go through all the transferred files and photos from an old laptop and even older desktop. I'm now at a standstill because John's mouse gave up the ghost and I had to let him use mine lest he totally fall apart without access to his own computer. He hated my old laptop and he hates my new one. Yes, I could use the touchpad or whatever it's called on my laptop but I hate touchpads. John decided to take a nap so I came down to his computer to write this quick post. <br />
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I have a design I'm thinking of stitching … And They Sinned.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECo-Uir_cTcuzxgX2DdtJ3NT-nCRUcjyGNCSG9inkn1ze1EIolbB9ANvUERT-IP1F0ODDeaQSWPpr39QKuMLIoPxQBScdlfbj33XNO9MNWD4yi7u-5HSIA2harpBvSyF8dEcH_J1HHzM/s1600/sinned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECo-Uir_cTcuzxgX2DdtJ3NT-nCRUcjyGNCSG9inkn1ze1EIolbB9ANvUERT-IP1F0ODDeaQSWPpr39QKuMLIoPxQBScdlfbj33XNO9MNWD4yi7u-5HSIA2harpBvSyF8dEcH_J1HHzM/s400/sinned.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
If I use 40 count linen I will need a cut that measures 15" wide x 47" long. If I use 36 count linen I will need a cut that measures 16" wide x 51" long. I seem to remember a discussion or two once upon a time where it was said that it was a bad idea to take a width of linen and turn it lengthwise to stitch on it. I don't want to buy a full yard and a half of linen to get the length I need when I just need 15" or 16" width. I also seem to remember that a shop (or shops) in the UK sell long cuts so this might be an option. If so, can anyone point me in the direction of one? <br />
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Your input will be greatly appreciated.Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-69000470084224730042018-04-17T11:36:00.001-04:002018-04-17T11:36:41.219-04:00My Dirty Little Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past Saturday my Sweet Babboo and I did an overnighter in Sharonville, Ohio which is considered part of Cincinnati. We stayed at the Hyatt where John had been given a free night. He wanted to stay overnight so that he could attend the Half Price Books clearance sale at the Sharonville Convention Center both on Saturday and Sunday. The Hyatt is actually attached to the convention center so he got to wander over there whenever the mood struck him. This was his third year going to the clearance sale but his first year staying at the Hyatt. I decided to go along with him to help him find things he was looking for at the sale. It became sort of a mini vacation for us. The fact that Keepsakes cross stitch shop is in Sharonville was icing on the cake : ) </div>
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I will tell you all about my visit to Keepsakes in another post. For now I have a dirty little secret I'd like to share and to ask for help, assuming I need any.</div>
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John bought me several items while we were at Keepsakes including Lizzie Kate's 4 Seasons charts. I was never really interested in stitching these until I saw a couple people on YouTube showing their progress stitching them, but what really clinched it for me was seeing the model hanging on the wall at Keepsakes. John really liked the model as well and I told him that this design would be my next project. I started stitching it on Sunday evening. This is how far I've gotten with the first design in the series. I will, of course, be stitching all four charts together on one piece of fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_EP82dm2PXIfbneW5qh3QiFWDyI2Znc-oDFBnY2Bt2S6LWFrGG1q4aP74KAQh_s49X43aqqBNbXIyyIZcFpgjf3nsjYPDzxZt_veGNTrEv7QQTx_bYUHhNHs-1eneQaX9wdiNLW91b8/s1600/20180417_101014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_EP82dm2PXIfbneW5qh3QiFWDyI2Znc-oDFBnY2Bt2S6LWFrGG1q4aP74KAQh_s49X43aqqBNbXIyyIZcFpgjf3nsjYPDzxZt_veGNTrEv7QQTx_bYUHhNHs-1eneQaX9wdiNLW91b8/s400/20180417_101014.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Nothing out of the ordinary here, but it's when I turn it around to the back side that my dirty little secret is exposed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XP162ix8cgmZg8AAsxLgNUazqmevJxnfWjnYyiQtagVzz2MSFb87x9AQjlrjFMh-s_do-lu1eChJtiRdtY5hzrSoFr-s_6hWsojoptgKL983kbSqyE9X0tAlcMCri-sP0aWnFL1_J2g/s1600/20180417_101030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XP162ix8cgmZg8AAsxLgNUazqmevJxnfWjnYyiQtagVzz2MSFb87x9AQjlrjFMh-s_do-lu1eChJtiRdtY5hzrSoFr-s_6hWsojoptgKL983kbSqyE9X0tAlcMCri-sP0aWnFL1_J2g/s400/20180417_101030.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Knots. If I have confetti stitches, or just a few stitches in part of a design, I secure these particular bits by making a knot. If I'm using hand dyed floss, as is the case in this design, I both start and end with a knot. Running the floss under a few stitches to secure these very small bits at the start and again at the finish produces a big lump in that part of the design which just won't do.<br />
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My knots are not extremely huge or noticeable from the right side. I have never really been concerned about them in the past when stitching items I knew would be made into small pillows or even flat folds, but this project will be framed and I'm not sure if the knots will cause any problems. They are lacemakers knots made with two single strands tied right over left, left over right, and then right over left again. It is impossible for them to work themselves loose.<br />
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I probably would never have made this confession about my knottiness if not for the fact that the house in this design has 11 windows. Each window consists of three stitches. The hand dyed floss will not really show up in these windows so my plan was to start them off with a loop start and finish them with a knot. Seems like an awful lot of knots though and I'm wondering if there might be a better way. I know I can start one window and carry the floss across to the next, and then to the next, and so on, but I'm concerned that the black floss will show through the pale lilac floss on the right side. I did some research into the pin start. Interesting concept, but not when you are stitching with two strands. Of course for these small windows I could use just one strand of floss and double stitch each leg.<br />
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Any thoughts? The knots really just cushion themselves into the stitch(es) surrounding them so maybe I'm making much ado about nothing and embarrassing myself for no reason. Will anyone else dare to admit that they use knots? Perhaps we can get t-shirts made ... Knotty Girls Unite, or I'm a Knotty Girl!</div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-41672952136063225262018-04-12T10:42:00.001-04:002018-04-12T10:42:16.339-04:00Catching UpIt's been quite busy around here, but then again there doesn't seem to be much of anything getting done! I don't know if anyone else feels this way but I have SO much to do that I am just overwhelmed by it all. The tasks appear insurmountable. I know, I know ... take things a little at a time. One box per day. One drawer per day. Great advice, I'll grant you that. Unfortunately all the little pixels just meld into one huge picture & I need to go have a lie down. Sigh!<br />
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Some stitching is getting done, if nothing else. I sort of finished my Winter ABCs by Little House Needleworks, the pattern having been gifted to me by Debra Scott. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vzcGJF90CfUBrcPcVj1tew7acn70SDzxHxMjaF-CNH7IzPTArFonzao-U3kHD_zGkBUuQLVjRPvRXeLAKJQ8VMjlu8q1Fzh0sDyTUnDzYVr2u6ZxmBHNh_Vu4tfjbQ-uwodCMCmHmiE/s1600/IMG_20180411_161106_329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vzcGJF90CfUBrcPcVj1tew7acn70SDzxHxMjaF-CNH7IzPTArFonzao-U3kHD_zGkBUuQLVjRPvRXeLAKJQ8VMjlu8q1Fzh0sDyTUnDzYVr2u6ZxmBHNh_Vu4tfjbQ-uwodCMCmHmiE/s400/IMG_20180411_161106_329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Design: Winter ABCs</div>
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Designer: Little House Needleworks</div>
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Fabric: Suggested 32-count Vintage Tundra linen</div>
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Floss: DMC alternatives</div>
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I say I sort of finished this because I still need to stitch 20 or so blasted French knots. They are unfortunately stitched over white motifs using either red or black floss. I say unfortunately because after several failed attempts at getting them "just right" (you know me & my curse of just rightness) the black &/or red dye leaves little discolored areas amidst the white floss which, of course, will not do. I have given up & will instead substitute little seed beads when I can find the right size. I guess a three-year break in stitching made me forget my once-upon-a-time vow to carefully look at patterns before stitching them just in case those evil French knots are included. </div>
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This next project is an actual finish ... no "sort of's" with this one!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6TgpJP1urbrFOpWutEuuN6Z8PqqCn61YbvfTSPrN7sFlurh-uMED6bD-zbK-kajcW1Hp7X8yfmSIUdNJZBll57qgUKZeZi3qtYhBLOctilx3LaPFFuBrb94wP5Xy_w8iYAGGNd-hzvc/s1600/IMG_20180411_162543_104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6TgpJP1urbrFOpWutEuuN6Z8PqqCn61YbvfTSPrN7sFlurh-uMED6bD-zbK-kajcW1Hp7X8yfmSIUdNJZBll57qgUKZeZi3qtYhBLOctilx3LaPFFuBrb94wP5Xy_w8iYAGGNd-hzvc/s400/IMG_20180411_162543_104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Design: Le Poulet</div>
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Designer: Blackbird Designs</div>
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Fabric: Suggested 32-count Confederate Gray linen</div>
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Floss: DMC alternatives</div>
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I have had this little chart in my stash for several years & have always looked forward to stitching it. I am happy wit how it turned out.</div>
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This is my next project ... Lizzie Kate's A Little Stitch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnl1YtYV6_Aibog-gyIzPpeFkxo6Z_eZlqQ8tqF2p0yeEiNwMBxaDqtOkMOikvKB-11gFCxKC2xlhRew-mKdinu6Pc0MjjYc4SVbYuVzjTaGV2PctzBLxwyAhUJdqTo8iFmdsr27OySA/s1600/IMG_20180411_162910_079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnl1YtYV6_Aibog-gyIzPpeFkxo6Z_eZlqQ8tqF2p0yeEiNwMBxaDqtOkMOikvKB-11gFCxKC2xlhRew-mKdinu6Pc0MjjYc4SVbYuVzjTaGV2PctzBLxwyAhUJdqTo8iFmdsr27OySA/s400/IMG_20180411_162910_079.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started stitching it last night & it will stitch up quickly. </div>
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I am kind of between a rock & a hard place in that I have several boxes full of linen but I don't want to open them to see what I've got & to match it up with a design I want to stitch. Therefore I keep stitching projects that either already have the fabric included with them or I order new fabric. Argh!!! I don't want to open boxes ... boxes of fabric or boxes of other things ... because when we moved from our beloved farmstead on the edge of heaven I made sure I packed things to withstand Armageddon. That is how I describe it. I pack things inside boxes in such a way that if the movers drop them off the truck or down a flight of stairs nothing will be damaged. It takes a lot of work to pack this way and I just want to avoid having to repack if possible. I know what you're thinking ... fabric isn't going to be damaged if a box of it is dropped off a truck or down a fight of stairs. I know. Still, it is packed "perfectly" & I just don't want to have to go through packing it again. Yes, I'm a nut case. </div>
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Speaking of moving, nothing to tell you on that front. I did find three possible rental homes in Lexington but never received a call back when I inquired about them. You would think a professional realtor with a home to rent would respond to someone with an interest in that home, even if just to say "I'm sorry, it's been rented." So for now it looks like we might be in our current rental until we move to a cemetery. I hope not. </div>
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Some of you would say it's a beautiful day here today ... a sunshiny 75 degrees. A slight breeze, not a cloud in the sky. Tomorrow the prediction is for 78 degrees! Blah!!! Monday looks a little better ... 44 degrees with a chance of rain/snow. Come on Monday!!!</div>
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You may have guessed from the continued Christmas/winter theme that I still cannot access my laptop. I did take it in to Staples & a very personable young man was actually able to fix it for me while I was there. I brought it home & it worked for about 20 minutes & that was the end of it. I will need to get a new laptop one of these days. In the meantime it is going to be Christmasy & wintery when you come to visit me. </div>
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Have a wonderful week everyone!!! </div>
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Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-1114100175007214932018-04-01T09:13:00.001-04:002018-04-01T09:13:19.786-04:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww5f78cJTOOcPqxAseNlGbYYQCopIckXW3RWKfY0_P06UG5jBjgTztguWUy3VftLNgKT8TdNDznfB26bx1KZ_bsSNzxraBk5tT9-s_RcP_ha5BriApw2zVVfbRuRw_HippOq3XhMOK0s/s1600/%252527He%252Bis%252BRisen%252527%252BTextual%252BArt%252Bon%252BWrapped%252BCanvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww5f78cJTOOcPqxAseNlGbYYQCopIckXW3RWKfY0_P06UG5jBjgTztguWUy3VftLNgKT8TdNDznfB26bx1KZ_bsSNzxraBk5tT9-s_RcP_ha5BriApw2zVVfbRuRw_HippOq3XhMOK0s/s400/%252527He%252Bis%252BRisen%252527%252BTextual%252BArt%252Bon%252BWrapped%252BCanvas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy Easter everyone!</div>
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Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-35759375716854511332018-03-25T13:52:00.000-04:002018-03-25T13:52:14.945-04:00Last Week's Finish, A New Start, and Signing Your Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiUgYMhk8noT_qJ3fhIhRXKm8Aq99t8wBHs-w7o_w9TWg3IplXykDCuBSz7m-2vvz1qKBEoKFI0wQ-oU01tDBRkSzPNfqF8MdQu9roWt46x_ZTWXpSuYo0bVNM8T24IKjn71_t1PtiYs/s1600/IMG_20180324_172355_984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiUgYMhk8noT_qJ3fhIhRXKm8Aq99t8wBHs-w7o_w9TWg3IplXykDCuBSz7m-2vvz1qKBEoKFI0wQ-oU01tDBRkSzPNfqF8MdQu9roWt46x_ZTWXpSuYo0bVNM8T24IKjn71_t1PtiYs/s400/IMG_20180324_172355_984.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Designer: La-D-Da</div>
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Design: With You</div>
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Fabric: 30-count Old Salem linen from</div>
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The Primitive Hare</div>
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Floss: NPI Silk as suggested by designer</div>
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I really enjoyed stitching this design and am looking forward to getting it framed and hung on a wall one of these days : ) I have been watching a variety of cross stitch podcasts recently with stitchers talking about how important it is to sign your work. I would like to sign this sampler and I'm guessing the best place for a signature is below the border on the bottom right side. However, what is considered the norm for signing? My whole name with the year 2018? Just my first initial & my last name with the year 2018? Just my initials with the year 2018? Or ??? </div>
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And here is my new start ... Winter ABCs by Little House Needleworks.</div>
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This pattern was gifted to me by Debra Scott when I admired her finished project on Instagram : ) I am using the suggested 32-count Vintage Tundra linen and I pulled the suggested Crescent Colours and DMC colors although I think I might just use all DMC. </div>
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We have had two winter storms recently. One last week and one just yesterday. Last week's was rather impressive for this neck of the woods. Yesterday's did not end up being as severe as predicted but it was nice to see the snow falling anyway. I will be sorry when it's gone. </div>
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Incidentally, winter will remain on my blog until I can take my laptop to the shop to have whatever is wrong with it fixed. It refuses to connect to the internet even though it is connected to the Wi-Fi. </div>
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I wish you all a wonderful week!</div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-45101236373079748972018-03-18T11:25:00.002-04:002018-03-18T11:25:34.817-04:00A New Ornament, A New Start, A Nightmare, & A SurpriseHappy Sunday one & all!<br />
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Last week I worked on Chessie & Friends by Chessie & Me. This is another ornament I had kitted up from 2014. I didn't realize there were Symra cross stitches, round eyelet stitches, & star stitches in the design, but of course I should have known ... Chessie & Me ... lol! I am glad I persevered. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosS0yhIAUfr_9l3jrU8ccnkFG2qNT3brcvMJPBctuRroAvi6Kn9468WTkG8xXXCERjinvC_x18gqRxBDPqnLJN-vfV18JTRVVWi68ZcRBfVMmMmwsHM4dnM0wefy8HrTkOHdxV19t-Q0/s1600/20180318_094548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosS0yhIAUfr_9l3jrU8ccnkFG2qNT3brcvMJPBctuRroAvi6Kn9468WTkG8xXXCERjinvC_x18gqRxBDPqnLJN-vfV18JTRVVWi68ZcRBfVMmMmwsHM4dnM0wefy8HrTkOHdxV19t-Q0/s400/20180318_094548.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Designer: Chessie & Me</div>
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Design: Chessie & Friends</div>
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from 2001 JCSCO</div>
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Fabric: 32-count Café Kona linen as suggested by designer</div>
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Floss: WDW as suggested by designer</div>
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The only change I made was I substituted DMC Ecru for the suggested WDW Angel Hair to stitch the snowman. My skein of Angel Hair was rather peachy/apricot looking. Definitely not a snowman color.</div>
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Last night I began a new start ... a small primitive sampler. More information to follow : )</div>
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The nightmare is my ongoing dental woes. I am still making payments on a $25,000 bill & will be doing so for at least the next year. The dental work was done this past August. There have been problems since the work was finished. I have been going back to the dentist almost weekly. She had nearly 500 positive online reviews & only one that was negative, & the negative one was simply from a woman who was upset that she was charged for a consultation. No reviews mentioned how forgetful she is, or how she takes it as a personal insult when you try to explain that you are having problems. Last week her husband, who is also in the practice, acted as mediator between the two of us. When she finally calmed down I wasn't going to start her up again when she insisted I had some of these problems when I first came to see her : ( As things stand now I need to locate another dentist for a second opinion because she & her husband both say they have ever heard of anyone having the problems I am having. Her husband said that if another party can shed light on why I'm having these problems they will do whatever it takes to fix them. Of course before the meeting was over the dentist had to pipe up with one last snotty remark which was "You might just have to learn to live with these things." Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.</div>
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On a happier note, I thought our lease was up at the end of June, but I looked at our rental agreement last week & yo-ho! It's up at the end of May! Quite a surprise for me! This is a very good thing but also a stressful one. Finding a decent, affordable rental is like finding a needle in a haystack. I would LOVE to get out of Kentucky but the dental issues will most likely prevent that. We would just stay put if it wasn't for the mold & fungus issues in the Ohio River Valley. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated for this as well.</div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-51412545839974436362018-03-15T19:24:00.001-04:002018-03-15T19:24:24.357-04:00In Search of a Little by Little Design Company Sampler ChartI would like to purchase or borrow a Little by Little Design Company sampler chart. Unfortunately I do not know the name of the design or have a photo. It features a simple floral border on the top and right and left sides but not on the bottom. The bottom has a large two-story darker pink house with three chimneys. To the left of the house is a tree with a bird on top. To the right of the house is a large pink flower and what looks to be a brown dog. Straight across the top underneath the floral border there is a line of lowercase letters from A through Q. The verse reads " If I am right oh Teach my Heart Still in the right to stay If I am wrong Thy grace impart To find that better way" ... and then there are the stitcher's initials with the words "her work in the year of Our Lord" and then the year. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Does anyone have the chart who would be willing to sell or loan it to me so I can stitch it?Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-36281625364616538822018-03-11T14:08:00.002-04:002018-03-11T14:08:43.052-04:00Not One, Not Two, but Three!Three finishes last week, eight finishes since January 31st! I'm on a roll ... lol!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNMvL3zdTokcci2qKlYVHrPF6SlAVjfBQNLdhXhTkHD2In2Wa8Fnf8MFZxLq7eI71ZralXifhJAs53OcP0kLtvlUVYWkceJELdWxsWKpJuOCCF8jsCvQll8eH9W9dn2uDGiUoYfHEJj8/s1600/IMG_20180311_130531_924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNMvL3zdTokcci2qKlYVHrPF6SlAVjfBQNLdhXhTkHD2In2Wa8Fnf8MFZxLq7eI71ZralXifhJAs53OcP0kLtvlUVYWkceJELdWxsWKpJuOCCF8jsCvQll8eH9W9dn2uDGiUoYfHEJj8/s400/IMG_20180311_130531_924.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Designer: Lizzie Kate</div>
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Design: Joy to the World</div>
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Fabric: As suggested by designer</div>
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Floss: As suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKtDyvre_1aQ5R6BPmPxa6yZIHGa84_a39EIbbbo1bdymdEVXobWasd2frGLTkp3hyXbgkWpEA3ej6DnkQrBIYKHe4-ZJVdbZdjmJdWKoXT-8w5KsoI3tiRO5NqiipiRxmgEUftRjtII/s1600/IMG_20180311_131801_377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKtDyvre_1aQ5R6BPmPxa6yZIHGa84_a39EIbbbo1bdymdEVXobWasd2frGLTkp3hyXbgkWpEA3ej6DnkQrBIYKHe4-ZJVdbZdjmJdWKoXT-8w5KsoI3tiRO5NqiipiRxmgEUftRjtII/s400/IMG_20180311_131801_377.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Designer: Country Cottage Needleworks</div>
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Design: Give Joy<br />
From 2014 JCSCO</div>
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Fabric: As suggested by designer</div>
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Floss: As suggested by designer</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7NA37SdLqMSQvOq1KcT5gkv4JPkYWt293cu61oKSthyMT4ez0Tr_Afsc_hvWLc9tNVOPgEnnpx00SAiAj7GFvcXVOQWJmxwGglooGRrKtaZ2j9Hh-uqS7JkDI38kc52wvx98jl232wY/s1600/IMG_20180311_131518_199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7NA37SdLqMSQvOq1KcT5gkv4JPkYWt293cu61oKSthyMT4ez0Tr_Afsc_hvWLc9tNVOPgEnnpx00SAiAj7GFvcXVOQWJmxwGglooGRrKtaZ2j9Hh-uqS7JkDI38kc52wvx98jl232wY/s400/IMG_20180311_131518_199.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Designer: My Big Toe</div>
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Design: Joyous Square<br />
from 2014 JCSCO</div>
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Fabric: As suggested by designer</div>
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Floss: As suggested by designer<br />
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Thanks again to everyone who helped me with my star stitches for Joy to the World. I decided to use Robin in VA's suggestion and stitch them using one strand twice to make a stitch with two threads. Perfect!<br />
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Last night I started stitching my third ornament although I wonder if the A Little Snow design by Lizzie Kate might actually be an ornament. Hmmmmm. Last night I started stitching my third or fourth ornament which is Chessie & Friends, a Chessie & Me design from the 2001 JCSCO issue. This is one of the designs I kitted up 3+ years ago. I think I'm going to try to work on stitching these designs first. That's the plan for now anyway : )</div>
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Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-40968892084874676832018-03-06T17:39:00.002-05:002018-03-06T17:39:52.093-05:00A New StartWhile pondering what to do with my Joy to the World project (thank you, everyone, for your suggestions), I decided to start an ornament. I think on Instagram, or somewhere, there is some kind of "stitch 12 ornaments in a year, one for each month" group thingie. I haven't been able to find it ... but since Joy to the World is having a time out at the moment, I started an ornament. <br />
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Before I stopped stitching three years ago, I had kitted up several projects in individual plastic baggies ... working copies of the charts, the suggested fabrics, and the suggested threads or DMC equivalents. I went through these baggies the day before yesterday. Isn't it interesting how much your tastes can change in three years? I looked at some of those designs and thought, "I wanted to stitch <i>this</i>???" And then I took everything out of those baggies, tossed the working copies, and filed the fabrics & threads ... lol! <br />
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This design called to me to stitch it first. I think it's the color palette. I've been stitching a lot of Christmas reds and greens lately. This design is from the JCSO 2014 issue ... Give Joy by Country Cottage Needleworks. I'm using the suggested fabric, 32-count waterlily linen ... a pretty, pale mint green color. I chose to use the DMC equivalents. <br />
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Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-20367045199171811962018-03-06T14:20:00.000-05:002018-03-06T14:20:11.931-05:00I Found Three!You may remember me mentioning once upon a time that I used to be a design contributor to a cross stitch magazine many years ago. Yesterday I opened a box marked Bobbin Lace Supplies that has been sealed for 10 years. Literally 10 years. I was surprised to find some old cross stitch pieces in there that were stitched back in the early 80s. I was also happy to find three cross stitch magazine issues that contained my designs.<br />
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I will share these designs with you here. Please remember that I was a young cross stitcher at the time, and there was no such thing as cross stitch design software back then.</div>
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Winter 1983</div>
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The Winter 1983 issue contained my first designs ... Overall Boy and Sunbonnet Sue.</div>
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Spring 1984</div>
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The Spring 1984 issue really surprised me! I remembered having designed a Bible bookmark, but not this one ... and I had totally forgotten about the Peek-A-Boo, Happy Easter to You design!</div>
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Summer 1984</div>
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The Summer 1984 issue contained my quilt design potholders. I was quite proud when the powers that were used them as part of a photograph display for a mailing promotion to try to get more subscribers : ) I know I saved that mailing promotion. It's somewhere. </div>
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I had given the finished potholders to my mother when the magazine returned them. Many years later she gave them back to me, and I still have them.</div>
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I have no idea what became of any of my other completed designs : ( That little Easter bunny would have come in handy right about now! Perhaps they will surface along with other magazines and designs, and the mailing promotion, when I open another box. </div>
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I can't imagine what I might find in the boxes that have been sealed since 2004!</div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-52300458528398594372018-03-04T17:39:00.001-05:002018-03-04T17:39:34.524-05:00Another Suggestion SoughtI am so thankful for the pencil suggestions in response to my last request. Little did I know I'd be in need of assistance again so soon.<br />
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I hadn't noticed that Joy to the World has star stitches. The stitches themselves are not a problem to make, but do I make them with one strand of floss or with two? I consulted YouTube and half the tutorials there say two strands and the other half say one. Since I'm stitching the rest of the design with two strands I am assuming two. However, where do I secure the ends? I am using hand dyed floss. I tried tying a knot with two strands, which actually results in four strands making the knot, but this is quite lumpy. There's really not a lot of stitching on the back side of the star stitches for me to weave the ends under. I am supposed to place a star stitch in each bottom curved portion of the gold swag and then randomly about the design. Please see the photo. Any suggestions? Is there perhaps another stitch I can substitute for the star stitches?<br />
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<br />Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-77134407598784395742018-03-03T19:07:00.000-05:002018-03-03T19:07:56.323-05:00Seeking SuggestionsI have been happily stitching away on my Joy to the World design by Lizzie Kate but alas, I have encountered a problem with my linen. There was a large slub which I knew from the start would be in the stitching area. I did my best to pick it out. I'm usually successful when I do this, but this time not so much. The slub did get smaller, but the fabric dye did not soak through all the fibers and therefore the remainder of what's left is lighter, even white, compared to the surrounding fabric. Your eye is immediately drawn to it.<br />
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I tried to plan for part of the stitching to cover the slub. Obviously I failed. Can anyone suggest a way I can somehow darken this area a bit without ruining the surrounding linen and the cross stitches?<br />
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Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-16788356251095946442018-02-26T12:35:00.001-05:002018-02-26T12:35:21.703-05:00Still StitchingIt is beyond my comprehension that I have fallen so deeply back down the cross stitch rabbit hole. I guess it shouldn't surprise me. Cross stitch has always been one of the top three things I love to do. Dare I say it may even be the #1 thing.<br />
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I have now completed my fourth finish of 2018 with oh so many more planned. In addition to the Bent Creek Winter House finish I posted back on January 31st, I have now completed the following:<br />
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A-Wassailing by Shakespeare's Peddler</div>
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A mystery sampler (there's a reason this needs to be a mystery for now)</div>
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Come Let Us Adore Him by Lizzie*Kate</div>
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(please excuse the wonkiness ... poor positioning)</div>
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I have just started stitching Joy to the World, another Lizzie*Kate design.</div>
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The owners of 123 Stitch, Down Sunshine Lane, The Silver Needle, Stitching Bits & Bobs, Stitch & Frog, & another online shop or two are dancing with glee at my return.</div>
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I do miss sitting in my comfy old recliner in my wonderful farmhouse in paradise, stitching away with Sophie curled up in my lap or purring by my feet. Good times, good times. Stitching in my uncomfy new recliner here at Mold & Fungus House, thousand-leggers scurrying along the floor every now & then, just isn't the same. </div>
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I have not given up on knitting but it has taken second place. I recently started a pair of socks to work on when I'm away from home, sitting in the car while John immerses himself in various Half Price Books stores, or sitting in doctor & dentist waiting rooms. I would take my stitching with me but I am blind as a bat without my daylight magnifying lamp. </div>
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I hope everyone is doing well. It is almost the end of February & you know what that means. Soon it will be time for us to move again. Another year of renting ahead of us. Oh joy. Not sure where we will end up of course, but the front runners at this time are back to the Lexington area or back to Tennessee. </div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-45430520802858983492018-02-01T17:47:00.002-05:002018-02-01T17:48:24.211-05:00I Need Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ7aLwR0uTP16nFzl6k4EvIBs1QSzYB8U6eBA6DYrglU5dkWkxnkaOEKa8sThexrrAq_MYyPh2Zojlfz7Go64fvrBIlxK5nC5EMM3KCJRt50NJwIyhkyzmeXeR7mWIWeT2sT9OkUU5Uc/s1600/Wiley-Coyote-Help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ7aLwR0uTP16nFzl6k4EvIBs1QSzYB8U6eBA6DYrglU5dkWkxnkaOEKa8sThexrrAq_MYyPh2Zojlfz7Go64fvrBIlxK5nC5EMM3KCJRt50NJwIyhkyzmeXeR7mWIWeT2sT9OkUU5Uc/s320/Wiley-Coyote-Help.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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Heaven help me ... I have been perusing the 1-2-3 Stitch website shoveling charts & kits into my cart & wish list.Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-72986914277048443392018-01-31T12:46:00.000-05:002018-02-01T10:40:49.345-05:00Stitching!Back, I hope, after a lengthy illness that just wouldn't quit! John and I were both sick since the start of the month. We are still working on getting totally over what amounted to acute bronchitis and pink eye on John's part, & a horrible case of the flu, a horrible sinus infection, & pink eye on my part!<br />
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Although I have not in any way given up on knitting, an Instagram kit-along brought me to the point of pulling out a cross stitch kit to work on! I am as surprised as you : ) It has been three years since I've stitched anything. I think we can all remember what ruined it for me back then. This is my first finish, a Bent Creek Zipper kit titled Winter House.<br />
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The kit along will not end until March 31st so last night I began another cross stitch kit. This one is A-Wassailing by Shakespeare's Peddler. </div>
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Unfortunately none of my knitting photos are on my computer so I will have to try to transfer them over here at some point so you can see those projects.<br />
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I hope that everyone had a happy & peaceful Christmas. John & I had a very low-key one. I didn't bake anything. We didn't have any gifts. Initially I wasn't going to put up any decorations at all, then I decided to decorate the skinny prim tree with my cross stitch ornaments. I also put a handful of small decorations on the mantle & leaned a prim sled against one of the walls. I did make our usual feast of turkey, ham, & potato salad which we enjoyed very much, & we also enjoyed Christmas movies throughout the season. Well, we started watching them in October actually. We have a LOT of Christmas DVDs ... lol!!!<br />
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January has flown by. Time flies when you're near death. I am very happy that tomorrow is February. One step closer to when we move again!!! Another rental for a year (ugh). Where are we going? Who knows. Most likely we will try to move back to Lexington or somewhere near there since I am still dealing with doctors and a dentist in the area. I know John would like to settle down in Tennessee again, & depending on how the medical/dental issues go we might end up renting a place there. I just know I am looking forward to settling down. 24 moves in 42 years. It's getting a bit old.<br />
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A belated Happy 2018 to you all!!! </div>
Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736705671514488281.post-55777545042886610132017-11-21T13:00:00.004-05:002017-11-21T13:00:59.668-05:00Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just popping by to wish everyone a happy & blessed Thanksgiving! Tomorrow I will be quite busy getting food ready to cook on Thursday ... making the traditional Jello salad, cutting celery & onions & bread for the stuffing, etc. </div>
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Despite all the stresses & problems & other things that can cause anxiety & bring us down throughout the year, we all still have so much to be thankful for. Right now I am thankful that I found my box of cross stitched ornaments!!! Yesterday I pulled out a plastic container in one of the spare bedrooms that definitely has cross stitched things in it, I sat it by the tree & opened it this morning to unwrap the ornaments, but surprise!!! It was shelf sitters & pinkeeps & the like. I therefore went into the Christmas/other storage section in the lower level (sounds nicer than saying "in the basement") & pulled out a bunch of boxes, looking for a label on one of them that would tell me my precious cross stitched ornaments were inside. I knew I wouldn't have put them in a taped up, ready to move moving box, & I didn't. They were in a plastic container. That is where I thought I would find them at the beginning, but again I pulled out that plastic container yesterday thinking that was were they were, but I had forgotten the quantity of cross stitched ornaments I have!!! Where I found them just a few minutes ago was in a larger plastic container. Anyway, hooray! I found them : )</div>
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I mentioned in my last post that we are going to be having a bare bones sort of Christmas this year. It seems odd not having all the decorations out & about, but that is the way it's going to be. The cross stitched ornaments will be displayed on our skinny primitive tree ... just like when we were living in our home back in Utopia. I have not decorated with my cross stitched ornaments since back then ... three years ago ... so it will be fun to see all the ornaments & remember the exchanges & to once more marvel at Myra's finishing skills. I will, of course, take a picture or two to post. </div>
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Once again I wish you all a very happy & blessed Thanksgiving! </div>
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Shirleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117632465099828622noreply@blogger.com7